Legendary 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle: Rare coin trade contains many hidden treasures, but there are few that are more valuable and interesting than the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle. This extremely rare U.S. gold coin recently reached a staggering price of $3.4 million, triggering some frantic speculation amongst collectors and casual owners alike: Might I have one of these little beauties in my collection?
And even if you do not have the above coin, perhaps you own something very valuable with respect to numismatic history. So let’s have a little talk behind the fascinating story of the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle, its price, and ways to know very rare coins that may worth a fortune.
Could You Be Sitting on $3.4 Million?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle ($2.50 Gold Coin) |
| Designer | John Reich |
| Mintage Year | 1808 (One-Year Issue) |
| Total Coins Minted | 2,710 |
| Estimated Surviving Coins | 125-150 |
| Record Sale Price (2024) | $3.4 Million (PCGS MS65) |
| Metal Composition | 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper |
| Official Resource | NGC Coin Price Guide |
One of the rarest and most valuable items in U.S. coinage, the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle has re-confirmed its great worth by selling at auction for a hammer price of $3.4 million. So you best look at those ancient coins lying around! With a little more research and good consultancy, you might just have a windfall!
What Is the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle?
The 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle was the only $2.50 gold coin ever minted in the year 1808. Designed by John Reich, the coin is remarkable for its obverse depiction of Lady Liberty wearing a soft cap and for its reverse heraldic eagle.
So what is so special about this coin? One year only-mintage: From the original 2,710 coins struck, between 125 and 150 examples are believed to exist today. Many coins were melted or simply lost over time, making this among the most rare in U.S. history.
The symbolisms and designs
- Obverse (front): The left profile portrait depicts Lady Liberty wearing a soft cap surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies of this nation. This design meant to say freedom and the spirit of a young nation.
- Reverse (back): It presents a displayed heraldic eagle with shield, clenching arrows (military preparedness) and an olive branch (peace). This design was supposed to show the strength and independence of America.
John Reich worked on the coins in an effort to modernize U.S. currency; the Capped Bust style made its way onto many other denominations, from half dollar to dime.
What Makes the Legendary 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle So High in Value?
There are a number of contributing factors to the high price of the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle:
1. Low Mintage
This was one of the lowest mintage U.S. gold coins ever struck, with 2,710 coins. Because so few were ever made, they were never released widely, and this very fact made their rarity even more prominent.
2. Historical Significance
This was the first and only $2.50 gold coin designed by John Reich, an important person in the history of American coin design. His influence on U.S. coin design extended for many decades.
3. Surviving Population
Most of the gold coins melted during bad economic times or were melted down into newer coins. Thus, considering approximately only 125 to 150 specimens are believed to be still in existence, the coin has become a high collectible.
4. Record Auction Prices
A specimen grading PCGS MS65 was sold at an auction in 2024 for $3.4 million-marking one of the highest premiums ever paid for any $2.50 gold coin. The lower graded specimens still trade in six figures.
5. Conditions Are Everything
As it holds true for all rare coins, a great condition will immensely influence the value of a coin. An MS (Mint State) with impeccable preservation and little to no wear will be many times more valuable than a coin with variables of circulation.
Finding a Valuable Coin in Your Collection
You could still own some valuable coins even if you don’t have the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle. Here is how to distinguish the commoners from the treasures in your stack of coins:
Step 1: Check the Date and Mint Mark of the Coin.
Generally, old U.S. coins are more valuable to the collectors-pre-1933 gold, early silver dollars, and rare cents. If you find a coin dated before 1900, set it aside for further examination.
Sometimes rare mint marks (either close to the date or on the reverse) could too dramatically enhance a coin’s value.
Step 2: Check for Minting Errors.
Errors in minting can enhance a coin’s value. These can include:
- Double Strikes (when a coin is struck twice)
- Off-center strikes
- Incorrectly printed dates
Step 3: Determine the Condition of the Coin
Coin grading becomes tape to affirm worth. Coins graded MS60 and above (Mint State, uncirculated condition) usually fetch much more than worn-out coins.
Step 4: Go Online
Truthfully, the NGC Coin Price List and the PCGS Price Guide hold the current pricing of rare coins.
Step 5: Get in Touch with a Numismatic Expert
If you have an inkling that you may be able to have a valuable coin, contact one certified numismatist or the major coin grading service, i.e. PCGS or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
FAQs:
How do I authenticate an 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle?
Check its weight (4.37 grams), diameter (18 mm), and gold content (91.67%). Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC can verify authenticity.
Where can I sell rare coins?
Major auction houses (Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers), online marketplaces (eBay, Great Collections), and reputable coin dealers.
Are there other valuable U.S. gold coins?
Yes! Some of the most valuable include:
1933 Double Eagle ($20 Gold Coin) – Sold for $18.9 million.
1796 No Stars Quarter Eagle – Often fetches $500,000+.
1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief Double Eagle – Worth $200,000+.
